Crooked teeth, also known as malocclusion or misaligned teeth, refer to teeth that are not properly aligned or do not fit together correctly when the jaws are closed. This condition can occur due to various factors, including genetics, dental development, oral habits, and certain medical conditions.

 Facts about crooked teeth:

• Common Condition: Crooked teeth are a prevalent dental issue that affects a significant portion of the population. It can occur in children, teenagers, and adults.
• Causes: Crooked teeth can result from various factors, including genetics, dental development, oral habits (such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting), early loss of primary teeth, mouth breathing, and facial trauma. The size of the jaw, discrepancies between jaw and tooth size, and inadequate space for tooth eruption can also contribute to misalignment.
• Types of Misalignment: Crooked teeth can manifest in different forms, including overcrowding (insufficient space for all teeth to fit properly), gaps between teeth, rotated or overlapping teeth, overbite (upper teeth excessively overlapping lower teeth), underbite (lower teeth protruding beyond upper teeth), crossbite (upper teeth sitting inside lower teeth when biting), and open bite (space between upper and lower teeth when biting).
• Aesthetic Impact: Crooked teeth can affect the appearance of your smile. Many people with misaligned teeth may feel self-conscious about their smile and may be reluctant to show their teeth in social or professional situations.
• Oral Health Consequences: Crooked teeth can contribute to various oral health issues. Misaligned teeth can be challenging to clean properly, leading to plaque and tartar buildup, increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. They can also cause uneven wear and tear on the teeth and may contribute to problems with the jaw joints and muscles.
• Speech and Chewing Difficulties: Crooked teeth can interfere with proper speech and chewing. The misalignment can affect tongue and lip movements, leading to difficulties in pronouncing certain sounds and affecting the ability to bite and chew food effectively.

Crooked teeth can affect the alignment of your bite, making it difficult to chew food properly. By correcting the misalignment, you can improve your bite function, making it easier and more comfortable to eat and chew.